my GF got yanked at Seattle airport and sent back to Thailand

[Beth & Achraf 328]

Do tell and what about the people who lied at the interview? I think the entry process is very fair. The changes to the VWP were much needed. It is a broken system but not because of the questions they ask. The CBP officer knows the answers, he has the papers in front of him. You don't think people lied and forgot what they lied about at the interview? You know how many people are not honest. If people don't like the system or like answering questions there is no need to come here. It is no different than any other country. In Morocco, they ask a bunch of questions as well. No country wants overstayers in their country. The list of illegal things people do is endless. A visa does not promise a person entry into the USA. Why should we be different than any other country? The point here is don't lie and don't try and pull one over on immigration at any level. It doesn't work. They all have heard everything. They don't care...they have a job to do and protecting the country at the borders is their job.

I stated before I wouldn't want their job. In fact I wouldn't want any law enforcement job. They have a job to do and well being lied to normally doesn't go over well.

Exactly.

[N and J 88]

Exactly.

I think people forget we don't have an open door policy. I do believe there are some things that need to be changed. Some should be made easier and some should be made harder. But I really do think that the entry process is fair. Immigrants are under great scrutiny when they come here but people forget us as citizens get the same kinds of questions when we come home or go else where. They may not be how long are you staying....But I was questioned coming home from Morocco. How long were you there? Who did you go see? What was the nature of your trip? Did you bring anything illegal home with you? I would rather be questioned and have questions asked than be sorry later. Especially today....It's not like it is unheard of people obtaining visas to blow us up or anything....or come here to have babies...or live high off the land illegally. I don't know....when I have a stranger at my door I ask questions....lol same concept.

[THEMSRILEY 4]

Im saying that the CBP should not do their job, im saying that people dont lie, im not saying that they say one thing on the visa application and then once they are in the US they change their mind. Yes it does happen, all I said is that everybody dont lie, if you just applying for the visa just get you to the door, then something needs to be changed. Once again regardless of what it may seem or what it looks like, doesnt mean that it is. If someone came to my house to visit and pulled up in a moving van, that dont mean that they are moving in. Everybody dont lie and there are some honest people, regardless of what it may seem like, that is all I was saying.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Im saying that the CBP should not do their job, im saying that people dont lie, im not saying that they say one thing on the visa application and then once they are in the US they change their mind. Yes it does happen, all I said is that everybody dont lie, if you just applying for the visa just get you to the door, then something needs to be changed. Once again regardless of what it may seem or what it looks like, doesnt mean that it is. If someone came to my house to visit and pulled up in a moving van, that dont mean that they are moving in. Everybody dont lie and there are some honest people, regardless of what it may seem like, that is all I was saying.

There would be a lot more visa fraud if that happened and AOS's. If you have a 10 yr visitors visa you may make a trip or two and with virtually no control to assess your motives and could show up with 5 bags and stay.

Also, there's vwpers and Canadians who don't need a visa. Are they getting waived in too?

[Unidentified 2,930]

Im saying that the CBP should not do their job, im saying that people dont lie, im not saying that they say one thing on the visa application and then once they are in the US they change their mind. Yes it does happen, all I said is that everybody dont lie, if you just applying for the visa just get you to the door, then something needs to be changed. Once again regardless of what it may seem or what it looks like, doesnt mean that it is. If someone came to my house to visit and pulled up in a moving van, that dont mean that they are moving in. Everybody dont lie and there are some honest people, regardless of what it may seem like, that is all I was saying.

Sounds very naive to think our borders will be safe if CBP shouldn't do their job.

[KierenHby 899]

If it weren't for the CBP (or it's precursor), the potential 20th 9/11 hijacker would've made it into the US. He had managed to obtain a visa!

'Nuf said

[UnaMexicana 153]

Well.. The Guardian and The Intercept would have a whole a lot different opinion on that 9/11 matter. But I will say no more as we would get sidetracked.

[Unidentified 2,930]

Well.. The Guardian and The Intercept would have a whole a lot different opinion on that 9/11 matter. But I will say no more as we would get sidetracked.

Yeah all media will say differently depending on their agenda.

Let's get back on topic.

[yuna628 9,677]

Im saying that the CBP should not do their job, im saying that people dont lie, im not saying that they say one thing on the visa application and then once they are in the US they change their mind. Yes it does happen, all I said is that everybody dont lie, if you just applying for the visa just get you to the door, then something needs to be changed. Once again regardless of what it may seem or what it looks like, doesnt mean that it is. If someone came to my house to visit and pulled up in a moving van, that dont mean that they are moving in. Everybody dont lie and there are some honest people, regardless of what it may seem like, that is all I was saying.

The CBP does their job and has to. They are the frontline gatekeeper. Yes, they often seem to operate with their own set of rules, and yes you may encounter some that can overreach and be hostile. If you think that's bad though, try officers in similar positions in other countries and see how well one would fare.

Everyone, even those not needing a visa (VWP) have the chance to be turned back home, whether they have a visa or not. You can debate the legality of whether it is legal to marry in the states under the VWP or with a visa (other than a K1), but I've found if a person states to the CBP that they intend to marry, as the OP, the warning bells go off. The CBP should know the law, they should know the legalities of marrying in the states, but they continue to warn people not to do so anyway. The intent is key. On occasion some CBP don't have issues with it. But it is a roll of a dice if you take your chances on that. There is holes in the OP's story, and their honesty with the CBP opened up those issues for the CBP to see clearly that the IO who handed out the visa could not.

If someone visits your house with a moving van, I'd be curious as to why, wouldn't you? I'd ask them questions. If it was determined they were being untruthful regarding why they were at my house with a moving van, I'd probably send them away before they start moving in. That is what the CBP determined here. The OP's truthfulness revealed the cause of a visit wasn't for tourism as was previously claimed. I'll put it to you this way. Let's say there's a man at your door. He says he was just passing by and has started his own lawn care business and he noticed your lawn needs mowing, and he'll give you a good rate. Sure, you say and let him mow your lawn, invite him for coffee, and pay him well. Let's say he returns the next day after successfully casing your home and robs you. Now, he was certainly honest about mowing your lawn, but he wasn't honest about his true intent. That's what the CBP has to judge. Are there some completely honest persons that get caught out? I'm sure. But how many aren't?

[Chris and ZhiJia 146]

I dont care what was said, if you answered all the questions on your application to get a visa, then once you reach US soil you should not have to give your life history. Everybody that comes and stays a long time or everybody that applies for a visitor visa dont always do wrong. There are some honest people in the world. They need to come up with a better system other than going on what may look suspicious...........if she got approved for a visa, then let her thru

A Visa does not guarantee entry to anyone to ANY country. Think of it like this. There is this super awesome band(USA) hosting a concert, but oh no, you need to be 21+ to enter. So you go to the website(USCIS/Embassy) to buy your tickets(Visa), and lie about your age. They(USCIS/Embassy) give you your tickets(Visa). The day finally comes for you to go and see your favorite band(USA). You gather your tickets(Visa) and head to the front gates(Customs and Immigration). They ask you for your tickets(Visa), and ID(proof you didn't lie). But oh no your ID was fake, and they turn you away.

Those tickets were not your RIGHT to see the Band, and they are non-refundable. But according to you, anyone who purchases a ticket should be allowed in regardless... I'm sorry but the world does not work that way. Not just the USA, the WORLD does not work that way.

I have a Chinese Visa, and every time I enter the country, I need to go through their Customs and Immigration. They inspect my documents and travel history to make sure I am obeying their laws. It's not just oh you have a Visa come on through situation.

Edited May 12, 2016 by Chris and ZhiJia

[THEMSRILEY 4]

A Visa does not guarantee entry to anyone to ANY country. Think of it like this. There is this super awesome band(USA) hosting a concert, but oh no, you need to be 21+ to enter. So you go to the website(USCIS/Embassy) to buy your tickets(Visa), and lie about your age. They(USCIS/Embassy) give you your tickets(Visa). The day finally comes for you to go and see your favorite band(USA). You gather your tickets(Visa) and head to the front gates(Customs and Immigration). They ask you for your tickets(Visa), and ID(proof you didn't lie). But oh no your ID was fake, and they turn you away.

Those tickets were not your RIGHT to see the Band, and they are non-refundable. But according to you, anyone who purchases a ticket should be allowed in regardless... I'm sorry but the world does not work that way. Not just the USA, the WORLD does not work that way.

I have a Chinese Visa, and every time I enter the country, I need to go through their Customs and Immigration. They inspect my documents and travel history to make sure I am obeying their laws. It's not just oh you have a Visa come on through situation.

Evidently you misunderstood what I said. I said if she got approved for a visa then let her in. I didnt say if she lied, just disregard all rules. But if rules and procedures are put into place and the person follows it and is being honest with everything. Dont put me into a category of what it seems like or what it might be. The entire system and they way they do things need to be revamped.

[Chris and ZhiJia 146]

Evidently you misunderstood what I said. I said if she got approved for a visa then let her in. I didnt say if she lied, just disregard all rules. But if rules and procedures are put into place and the person follows it and is being honest with everything. Dont put me into a category of what it seems like or what it might be. The entire system and they way they do things need to be revamped.

Still, that's like saying anyone who passes the written test should be given a drivers license. She passed the written test (Visa), but failed the driving portion (Customs and Immigration). Just because someone has a piece of paper that says they can buy a ticket to come to the country doesn't mean they should be allowed in.

[KierenHby 899]

Heck, we have embassies.. let's move CBP out of our airports.

..sarcasm

[Unlockable 7,314]

A visa does not guarantee entry.

There are many who have had visas and used them for years then one day got denied entry for one reason or another.

When an immigration reform happens it will almost be guaranteed to make things more strict.

As previously and correctly stated a visa only allows you to knock on the door.

[caliliving 606]

First, i dont know why people question CBP or get kinda snarky with them.. when they ask a question you answer that with 'yes sir'

you should have known getting a 'girlfriend' to come visit you for 5 months was risky.. when he asked are you expecting anyone? you say 'yes' when he asks the name you say 'the name' then he asks is it your fiance you say 'girlfriend' how long have you been dating.. answer.. are you looking to get married 'not anytime soon'

you did not answer the question right, you were snarky and their is zero confidence she would return! but you answering 'fiance' sealed the deal!!! and it was pretty obvious 5months here she would not return..

but that is water under the bridge.. be thankful you can just apply for a K1 and get her here very quickly from her country!! some people wait YEARS!!! it will take 6 months.. and then you have 90 days to figure out if you want to go through with the marriage or not or send her back!

Also, it seems as though you were not really well up with the immigraiton laws! i think that is most peopls biggest downfall.. they dont know that what they are doing is technically 'illegal' and they dont understand the proper way to do soemthing until it is too late! hell, before VJ i had NO idea what a K1 was!!!